It is the perfect way to throw down the gauntlet, if ever that was necessary, since golf there is always a delight. As well as the wonderful golf courses, there is some of the most beautiful and spectacular scenery to be seen anywhere in the world. The three Killarney lakes, presided over by the majesty of the Macgillycuddy's Reeks and the Purple Mountains, bisected by the Gap of Dunloe, make a beautiful setting for the Killarney Golf and Fishing Club, while the Atlantic coastline and rolling ocean, sets off the rugged beauty of the linksland that is home to Ballybunion.

The clubs have joined forces to offer the ultimate golfing challenge, a combination of traditional links golf at it's finest, and a choice of two of the courses at Killarney. A chance to enjoy marvellous golf with great value green fees for the Kerry Challenge.

Killarney Golf and Fishing Club has three superb golf courses, Mahony's Point, Killeen and the newest of the three Lackabane. The first two nestle alongside the lakes, with the magnificent backdrop of the mountains, oft cloaked in whispy cloud like a shroud, and Lackabane, just across the road in classic parkland. They offer very differing challenges, Mahony?s Point, the friendliest of the three, a lakeside course with great views as the photographs attest, with three great finishing holes. The 18th over the water was described by Gene Sarazen as ''one of the most memorable holes in the worl'' - once played never forgotten.

Killeen is the jewel, re-opened earlier this year, after major refurbishment. Water is in play on many holes, and is a test for all levels of golfers. The Irish Open was staged there in 1991 and 1992, both won by Nick Faldo when he was in his prime. The recent work has added to the challenge, the 3rd and 4th have been moved nearer the lake, the holes from the 6th to the 8th have been toughened with better water features, and the back nine lengthened. The 13th is the tiger hole, and the 18th makes a great finishing hole with the lakes threatening all down the left and in front of the green.

Lackabane was only opened in 2000, it is considered a very tough parkland layout of over 7000 yards, with 'danger and beauty' in equal measure, and a par 5 that stretches to over 600 yards.

There is the option to choose two of the three, but whichever courses are selected for play, they will provide a wonderful experience, and I defy anyone to play and not be enthralled at the beauty all around. Henry Longhurst said ''Only a man devoid of soul could not rapture in the splendour and tranquillity of Killarney golf course''. I doubt that you could locate one dissenter from that view.

If that were not enough, consider the other element of the Kerry Challenge, The Cashen course at Ballybunion. This stretch of links is truly awesome, and will provide the perfect contrast. Rugged sand dunes that tower over the broad sands, with deep hollows and swales that allow the fairways to run and turn to the greens nestling and awaiting the approach shots. Elevated tees and greens, and fairways that first run alongside the Cashen river, from where the name derives, then the first sign of the sea with the loop of holes from the 5th to the 7th, inland and back to the clubhouse.

The back nine is truly majestic, in particular the 16th and 17th alongside the ocean, and the 18th is a return to the hospitality of the clubhouse. The Old course has long been famed, but the Cashen is a tremendous golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Snr, that stands alongside proudly alongside it's partner. It has been uder rated, but I can assure any visiting golfer, that if they play the Cashen they will not be disappointed.

The Old Course at Ballybunion has attracted the great names in the game, in recent years Tiger Woods, Mark O?Meara and the late Payne Stewart graced the fairways, Tom Watson has been a regular since the 1970?s. He accepted the honour as Club Captain in the year 2000, and is an Honorary Member. There could be no better recommendation.

The Kerry Challenge will offer great value to the visiting golfer, three great courses for 225 euro from May to September and only 195 euro for the rest of the year. There is a wealth of choice of superb hotels and restaurants in the town and in the surrounding area, and the live music and entertainment will take away any thoughts of weariness after the golf. The Killarney Plaza Hotel is central in the town and provides excellent accommodation, service and food.

For the none golfer, or the odd day off, there is a wide choice of sightseeing and jaunty carriage rides, and the shopping will not disappoint. The welcome and hospitality experienced throughout the region makes the whole trip a thoroughly enjoyable one. Both Killarney and Ballybunion clubs have first class websites for more information, and details of the Kerry Challenge. More information can also be obtained on the website of Tourism Ireland, www.discoverireland,com where the golf section is easy to find.

Contacts:

Killarney Golf & Fishing Club

Tel: 00 353 64 31032

Website: www.killarney-golf.com

Ballybunion Golf Clud

Tel: 00 353 68 27146

Website: www.ballybuniongolfclub.ie